Mauritius

Islam in Mauritius is a well-established and respected minority faith with a long history on the island. Here’s an overview:

1. Population & Demographics

  • Muslims make up about 17-18% of Mauritius’s total population (which is around 1.3 million).
  • The majority are Sunni Muslims, following the Hanafi school of thought.
  • There are also small communities of Shia Muslims, especially of the Khoja and Cutchi Memon groups.

2. Origins and History

  • Islam came to Mauritius mainly through Indian indentured laborers who arrived after the abolition of slavery (starting around 1835).
  • Some early Muslim settlers may also have come from East Africa and Yemen via trade routes.
  • The Indo-Mauritian Muslim community is largely descended from workers from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra in India.

3. Cultural Life

  • Mauritius is a secular state but allows freedom of religion, so Muslims practice their faith openly.
  • Mosques are found across the island, including the historic Jummah Mosque in Port Louis (the capital), which is a national heritage site.
  • Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Mawlid an-Nabi (the Prophet’s birthday) are public holidays.
  • Halal food is widely available, and Islamic dress is commonly seen, especially among women in urban areas.

4. Islamic Institutions

  • There are several madrasas (Islamic schools) offering religious education alongside regular schooling.
  • Islamic organizations such as the Jummah Mosque Board, the Sunni Razvi Society, and others play an active role in religious and social matters.

5. Relations with Other Communities

  • Mauritius is a multi-religious, multi-ethnic society, with Muslims coexisting peacefully with Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists.
  • Interfaith dialogue is encouraged by the government, and religious harmony is considered a key feature of Mauritian life.

Summary:
Islam in Mauritius is vibrant and peaceful, with deep historical roots linked to Indian migration. Muslims enjoy freedom of worship, run active religious and cultural organizations, and contribute to the island’s rich multicultural identity.

Mauritius
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .mu
Country Code: +230